I have the pleasure of leading movement classes for women. I am a practitioner of the Nia Technique, a mind-body fitness practice. My studio resides in a lovely space, specially designed for women, in an old gentrified factory. It has a funky feel with high ceilings, painted concrete walls and earthy carpets. The space provides a safe place for us to explore our relationships with our bodies as we move, wiggle, shake, dance, stretch, and embrace our breath. We connect with physical sensations, body stories, histories and desires. [private_membership circle]
This summer’s scorching humidity-filled days required air conditioning, despite my affinity for open windows, natural fresh air and fans. When the air conditioning system stopped working after one of the ferocious Midwest storms, the system shut down. My class arrived before the repairs were completed. One woman, who participates regularly, arrived last. She came in with a bounce and a broad smile, and asked if she could make a request. I felt excited about her request, as she is someone who doesn’t often speak of her wants and desires.
“Of course” was my reply. “Would you please put the air conditioner on?” she asked. When I said I would if I could, and that the a/c is not working, her smile faded and the light-hearted energy in the room dissipated. I talked about the importance of listening to your body and modifying the movements, going to the floor when your body asks, and generally adjusting to the temperature in the room and sensations in their bodies.
At the close of class I asked the women what they noticed about their relationships with the temperature and their bodies. Several of the women thanked me for the cool wash cloths I gave them to use during the class and commented at their surprise that the cloths remained cool and refreshing to the touch of their skin. One woman described memories of playing high school tennis, and remembered the pleasure she felt when her body became warm while playing. She said during this class she liked the feeling of her body being warm and wet from sweat, although her mind’s negative messages were in conflict with the sensations. The woman who had requested a/c said she felt surprised that her body could experience a pleasurable workout despite the heat and she felt pride in her ability to modify the movements.
We can use experiences such as this one to become more intimately aware of our bodies. They are opportunities to learn about our motivations, the narratives we write for ourselves, and what is really true for us.
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Robin Okun, LMSW, is a certified Nia Instructor, Movement Therapist, Center for Eating Disorders, Director of Mindful Movement Studio, Ann Arbor, MI, 734-395-2624, robinokun@gmail.com [/private_membership circle]
